Band:	Dream Theater
Album:	Systematic Chaos
Style:	Progressive metal
Release date:	June 05, 2007
Guest review by:	Arian Totalis

Disc I
01. In The Presence Of Enemies - Part I
    1 - Prelude
    2 - Resurrection
02. Forsaken
03. Constant Motion
04. The Dark Eternal Night
05. Repentance
    1 - VIII. Regret
    2 - IX. Restitution
06. Prophets Of War
07. The Ministry Of Lost Souls
08. In The Presence Of Enemies - Part II
    1 - Heretic
    2 - The Slaughter Of The Damned
    3 - The Reckoning
    4 - Salvation

Disc II [special edition DVD]
+ The Entire Album Mixed In 5.1 Surround Sound
+ Chaos In Progress - The Making of Systematic Chaos

Here we have the long anticipated ninth release of Dream Theater, 'Systematic Chaos'. I have seen first hand that this album has caused some commotion, as well as some controversy in their fan base. One thing is for sure though, this is better than 'Octavarium'. It definitely pulls some feel from 'Train Of Thought' retaining very few elements from their previous release.

The instrumentation definitely does not live up to the legacy they created for themselves in the 80's and the early 90's, but I must admit it isn't really bad. The opening track 'In The Presence Of Enemies' is really good, and the harmonization of the instruments together are quite impressive. As for the album overall though, it has some noticeably radio friendly aspects to it. This can be seen on 'The Dark Eternal Night'. It starts with a riff that almost reminds one of the now very over played Pantera, and the vocal effects are quite annoying. Speaking of annoying vocals, Mike Portnoy actually has some vocal parts for this album and...he should stick to drumming.

The overall guitar playing for this album is pretty good; Petrucci provides some really interesting lead work and has some good rhythm sections as well. Mike Portnoy also does some good drumming on this album. As is seen on 'In The Presence Of Enemies' (both parts one and two), as well as in 'Forsaken'. I don't care what any of you say by the way, I like 'Constant Motion' as well (in every instrumental aspect). Rudess of course provides some melodic backgrounds with his keys, along with some wicked solos. John Myung does in general a decent job of keeping the rhythm section aligned. The overall vocal performance is okay, but let me tell you, I think James has lost it. I just don't hear that same passion he used to have in his voice.

This album is alright, and definitely a redeeming point after Octavarium, but still, it's no 'Images And Words' or 'Metropolis Part 2'. If you already own all their albums except for this one and Octavarium, then pick this one up next. Otherwise, there are a lot better things you could do with your money.

Album Highlights: In The Presence Of Enemy's Part I, Constant Motion, In The Presence Of Enemy's Part II